Kate Reed State Recreation Area

Kate Reed State Recreation Area is 120 hectares of native peppermint and swamp gum bushland in Prospect, about ten minutes from the Launceston CBD, laced with more than 15km of unsealed trails shared between walkers, trail runners and mountain bikers. Dogs are welcome throughout on lead, and the bush setting makes it one of the better on-lead walks near the city.

The dog setup

The reserve is unfenced from edge to edge, so the lead is doing real work here rather than ticking a box. Named tracks such as the Boundary, Fenceline and Berm trails loop through small hills and short climbs, with information signage at the main trailheads to help you pick a route.

Leash status

On lead at all times. With narrow tracks, blind corners and regular bike traffic, this rule is about your dog's safety as much as other users'. Pick up and carry out all waste.

Water

None on site. Bring your own water and a bowl, along with waste bags, since there are no bins out on the trails either.

Hazards

Mountain bikers use the reserve heavily, particularly on the Berm and Rock Drop trails, and they move faster than the bush suggests. Pedestrians technically have right of way, but keep your dog close on blind corners and step aside early. Stay on marked trails to protect the understorey.

When to go

Weekday mornings are the quiet window for a dog walk. Weekends bring the mountain bike crowd in force, so shorten the lead and avoid the berm-side lines on Saturdays and Sundays.

Getting there and parking

The main car park sits near the entrance close to the Silverdome in Prospect, with additional access near the highway underpass on the Kings Meadows Link. Metro Tasmania buses run to Prospect with a short walk in, and it is an easy cycle from the Launceston CBD.

More walks nearby

If your dog wants off-lead time instead, the Coronation Park Fenced Dog Park in South Launceston and the Lions Park Fenced Dog Park at Riverside are both fenced alternatives a short drive away, and Toast Cafe in Prospect suits a coffee stop afterwards.

More routes are in the Tasmania dog friendly trails guide and on the Prospect destination page.